Stockyards Heritage Development Company Unveils New Plans For Historic Fort Worth District

Aug 09, 2018 09:00AM
● By Ashley Madonna

The Fort Worth Stockyards is unlike anything else in the Metroplex. With its historic streets and southern charm, this district brings out people from across the country who want to experience a true Western spirit including a traditional cattle drive.

Now, Stockyards Heritage Development Company, a partnership between Majestic Realty Co. and The Hickman Companies, have announced plans to continue building on that legacy through a transformative renovation. They will be updating the Horse and Mule Barns, updating Stockyards’ Exchange Avenue, building the 4-star Hotel Drover and adding in shops, restaurants and live entertainment venues on Mule Alley.

This partnership is working closely with the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County to ensure the $175 million development restores the Stockyards Historic District while adding updated elements that will bring out new tourists.

“The Stockyards present a unique challenge, but also a rare opportunity,” Craig Cavileer, Executive Vice President of Majestic Realty Co./Stockyards Heritage Development Company, said via press release. “We knew from the moment we first visited the district over 20 years ago that this was a rare gem…a place people from all over the world visit for a taste of Texas and the West. Not just the animals and the buildings, although they’re a huge part of it, but the freedom, spirit, and character of the cowboys, cowgirls and cattle culture that shaped Texas into what it is today. That’s a tall order as a developer, but also an inspirational one. We have never taken it lightly.”

New vendors who will move onto Mule Alley include Second Rodeo Brewing Co. – run by chef Jason Boso most known for the Twisted Root restaurants and Truck Yard in Dallas and Houston, American Paint Horse Association – a theater, retail gallery and museum-like environment for the international equine breed association, MD Mercantile & Supply – inspired by the earliest general stores, Shake Shack – the first Fort Worth location for the popular burger brand, and a TBD restaurant concept from executive chef and owner Marcus Paslay – best known for his restaurants Clay Pigeon and Piattello Italian Kitchen.

The anchor of the project will be Hotel Drover, which is planned to open by spring 2020. This property will offer 200 rooms and suites and 15,000 square feet of meeting space as well as barns for weddings and social events.

This project is set to bring new offerings to the quaint area while still keeping its historic vibe afloat.